Nellis Air Force Base Hosts the Largest U.S. Solar PV System

December 19, 2007

The solar power array at Nellis Air Force Base uses tracking devices to keep the solar panels pointed toward the sun. Tilted toward the south, each set of solar panels rotates around a central bar to track the sun from east to west. Enlarge this image.Credit: Nellis AFB

The largest solar photovoltaic (PV) system in both the United States
and in North America has been installed at Nellis Air Force Base in
Nevada. The 14-megawatt solar power system will provide about a
quarter of the electricity needs of the base, which is located
northeast of Las Vegas. SunPower Corporation designed and built the
power plant using solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracking
system that follows the sun throughout the day, producing up to 30%
more electricity than typical fixed-position solar panels. MMA
Renewable Ventures, LLC financed the plant and will operate it,
selling the power to Nellis Air Force Base at a guaranteed fixed rate
for the next 20 years. Nevada Power Company is also supporting the
project by buying all the Renewable Energy Credits generated by the
solar array, thereby helping the utility to meet its renewable energy
requirements. Located on 140 acres of land at the western edge of the
base, the PV system comprises 72,000 solar panels. See the
SunPower
press release.